LOUDER

Chuck Grassley PIPA/SOPA Form Letter Response

Sent in comments a couple weeks back urging Iowa’s senators to publicly voice opposition to SOPA and PIPA. Got a form email back from Grassley today. Not too exciting; posting for posterity. You can read a lot more interesting malarky from Grassley, a co-sponsor of PIPA, in this collection of press releases. He honest-to-goodness rolled out some FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt) about tainted toothpaste. What a laugh.

My comments in italics.

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Thank you for taking the time to contact me.  As your Senator, it is important for me to hear from you.

Thank you for taking the time to have an intern send me a form letter.

In your correspondence you expressed concerns with H.R. 3261, the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA).  H.R. 3261 was introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Lamar Smith on October 26, 2011 and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.  A hearing was held on SOPA on November 16, 2011, and the expectations are for it to be considered and marked up this winter in committee.

Yeah, got it, thanks.

In your correspondence, you also expressed concerns with S. 968, the Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act of 2011 (PROTECT IP Act).   This legislation aims to crack down on rogue internet websites that are dedicated to the sale of infringing or counterfeit goods.  It will provide law enforcement with additional tools to stop websites that engage in the online distribution and sale of pirated content and counterfeit goods.

I bet he feels like a bad-ass every time he gets to say “crack down on rogue internet websites”.

Protecting intellectual property rights is crucial to promoting innovation, creating jobs, and advancing economic growth.  The Senate Judiciary Committee passed S. 968 by voice vote on May 26, 2011. S. 968 now needs to be considered on the Senate floor. It is expected that further changes will be made to this legislation. Rest assured, I will keep your views in mind as we proceed on this bill.

Protecting the free flow of information and not bothering America’s innovators and job creators with bullshit requests from the Attorney General is even more important to economic growth. 

I have a strong doubt you have even read my views, let alone will be keeping them in mind, but thanks for the thought.

Again, I appreciate your input.  Please keep in touch!

I’d like to, but you’re not really talking to me! Perhaps I’ll grab your your ear the next time you pop in somewhere like Thinc Iowa for a photo op, a conference full of innovators and job creators that, on average, are strongly against SOPA and PIPA. I did see you there, didn’t I?

Sincerely,

Chuck

***Please note that this account is not monitored for incoming mail.  If you would like to reach me via email please visit my website at http://grassley.senate.gov/ and click on “Contact”.  Thank you.***

*sigh*